Welcome to our week in review.
Federal Election Wrap Up
On Saturday 3 May Australians went to the polls for the Federal election. Some local polling places, including Lane Cove Public School and Mowbray Public School, had wait lines of up to an hour at times. Local schools and churches were hives of activity as P&Cs and community groups ensured voters were sustained with Democracy Sausages and baked treats.
By around 8.30 pm on Saturday the seat of Bennelong, which Lane Cove is now part of, had been called for the Labor’s Jerome Laxale. This is the first time that Labor has held the seat of Bennelong for two consecutive terms.
Following his win Mr Laxale told ITC, “I am very thankful for the vote of confidence from the people of Lane Cove and Hunters Hill.
The level of support gives me confidence to work for everyone and to be as highly engaged as I was before the election.
I will now set about ensuring our promises, such as an urgent care clinic in Chatswood and the $1.3 million for a cultural hub in Lane Cove, are delivered. I will have a mobile office in the Lane Cove Plaza this Saturday to thank the voters.”
You can read our election result and polling booth breakdown here.
The Alcott’s Future In Doubt
The Alcott Lane Cove is part of the Norths Collective. The Norths Collective are a group of registered clubs with its flagship club being the North Sydney Leagues Club.
The Alcott opened in July 2018, and now its future is unclear as The Norths Collective are taking steps to reclassify the Alcott’s freehold as non-core property. This provides the legal framework for Norths Collective to either lease out the premises or sell the premises to developers.
The Alcott members are being asked to vote on this reclassification at the Norths Collective upcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 22 May 2025 at 7:00pm. The AGM will be held at Norths Leagues Club 12 Abbott Street, Cammeray. If you are a member, you should have received a notice of the AGM, which was emailed to all members on 30th April 2025.
Unattended Property Laws
In 2022 the NSW Government introduced new laws which were designed to make it easier to remove cars, trailers and caravans from streets if they had not moved for a long time or vehicles are causing an obstruction or safety risk.
The new laws are open to interpretation and when residents have asked for vehicles to be removed, sometimes the only action taken is a fine. The car in our photo below has been parked in a disabled parking space at Mindarie Park since February. Council have advised they are in the process
The Office of Local Government is now seeking input from councils and the public on how the laws can be improved. Find out more in our article here.
Free Food Hampers for Lane Cove Vulnerable
A free food bank for the vulnerable will be available at Turrumburra Park, this Saturday, 10 May 2025, from 11 am. Turrumburra Park is located on the corner of Centennial Avenue and Epping Road Lane Cove North.
It will be organised by UniSocial Australia, a partnership of all the community outreach groups associated with the The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG).
UCKG food bank runs multiple projects of this nature around various locations in Sydney including Liverpool, Chatswood, Blacktown and other surrounding areas providing hampers for anyone facing financial difficulties and in need of food.
Those seeking a hamper don’t need to register and can turn up on the day for collection. There should be between 35 to 70 available.
Money for the drives are raised purely through fundraisers with the help of volunteers. Read more here.
2025/2026 Draft Budget, Delivery Program & Operational Plan
A suite of interrelated strategies and plans from Lane Cove Council are now open for public consultation. The Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting Plans include items such as capital works, asset management, workforce management and a budget overview for 2025/2026.
Lane Cove Council intends to set the 2025/2026 general rate rise at 3.9 per cent, effective 1 July 2025.
This is good news considering several other Sydney and Regional Councils have had to apply to IPART for a special rate variation.
Northern Beaches Council: They are seeking a 39.6% increase over three years to address a budget deficit and fund infrastructure projects
North Sydney Council: They are proposing an 87% cumulative rate increase over two years; 45% in 2025-26 and 29% in 2026-27.
The following regional councils have applied for a special rate variation.
- Gunnedah Shire
- Upper Hunter Shire
- Shoalhaven City,
- Federation Council
Is There a Higher Rate Rise on the Horizon in 2026/20247?
It looks like a higher rate rise may take place in the 2026/2027 financial year.
Lane Cove Council noted in the draft 2025/2026 Draft Delivery Programme and Operational Plan:
The 2025/26 Budget has proven difficult to balance. Despite an exhaustive review of all income and expenditure allocations, Council is projecting a budget deficit of $598k for 2025/26. Longer term forecasts indicate budget deficits will be ongoing without some form of strategic intervention.
Council is finding it increasingly difficult to generate sufficient recurrent income to invest in its assets at a level necessary to ensure they are maintained at a satisfactory level. Council is also experiencing difficulties generating recurrent income to maintain existing services at levels the community has come to expect. One of the options that may be explored is a special rate variation application which, if supported by the Council, would not come into effect until the 2026/27 financial year.”
You can provide feedback via Council’s online submission portal, email or post. See here for details of the consultation, draft documents and how to submit feedback.
The consultation period ends Friday 6 June 2025.
Sushi Naya Opens
Sushi Naya has opened in Lane Cove plaza. It is located where the ANZ branch used to be. ITC is yet to try it – but it looks great.
Hecho en Mexico to Open At Sayulita Premises
We recently reported that Sayulita had closed, and now we can report, thank you, to Roving Reporter Oliver that Hecho en Mexico will be opening in Lane Cove.
The company was born in Melbourne and has many stores in Victoria. Last week they launched a Newtown branch, the first in NSW, and Lane Cove is next.
This is what they say on their Website about the new store:
“Lane Cove marks an exciting new chapter for Hecho en Mexico, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share our signature flavours with Sydney. From bold margaritas to mouthwatering tacos, burritos, nachos, and more, our menu is packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients made in-house daily. But it’s not just about the food, we’re all about creating a fun, lively space where everyone feels welcome. With an incredible team behind us and our commitment to great service, we can’t wait to become your new favourite Mexican spot. See you soon, Lane Cove!”
NSW Fire & Rescue Open Day This Sunday 10 May
The very popular NSW Fire and Rescue Open Day is on again this year on 10th May 2025. Kids love visiting their local fire station. The day is jam-packed with events. You can watch firefighting demonstrations, climb aboard a fire truck, find out about fire safety and meet the firefighters who make it happen.
Your kids will see the fire truck ladder in operation and have the chance to explore the whole fire station. Find out more here.
Birrahlee Preschool Open Day
If you are looking to enrol your children in a local preschool then put this date in your diary and have a tour of Birrahlee preschool – plus enjoy fun activities, a bake sale and a sausage sizzle.
When: 17th May 2025
Time: 10.00 am 12.00 pm
Where: 70 Burns Bay Rd (behind Len Wallis Audio)
Details here.
Lane Cove Rotary Car Boot Sale Returns In July
The popular Lane Cove Rotary Car Boot Sale is back on Sunday 20 July 2025. Book your spot asap. Get rid of your unwanted items and stop them going to landfill.
Local Sport
Lane Cove Netball Club’s LCNC11 side had a good win against North Sydney Girls High School on Saturday 3 May. Under stunning blue skies the team came away with a 14 – 7 victory.
Week In Review – Plumber to the Rescue
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Thank You
Thank you to the In the Cove team, our advertisers, roving reporters and everyone who stops our founder, Jacky Barker, on the street and tells her how much In the Cove has helped them learn more about where they live.
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